the college's building was laid in a ceremony on May 10, 1859. The building was constructed of limestone, and was three stories tall when completed in late 1859. It contained eight classrooms, offices, a library and a grand hall on the third floor. The building was sufficiently complete for the first classes to begin on January 9, 1860. The first class consisted of 29 students. The school was open to all denominations and was coeducational from its inception. Like many new colleges in frontier states, Blue Mont College began by offering only preparatory secondary school classes. Reportedly, no students were enrolled in college-level classes before the school ceased operations in 1863. Goodnow was appointed the first President of the college and Instructor Washington Marlatt was appointed principal of the preparatory department for the college in 1860. Joseph Denison was appointed the second President of the college in 1863. Name The college was named after a prominent hill in Manhattan, Kansas. The name is sometimes written as "Bluemont" rather than "Blue Mont," but the articles of incorporation use two separate words. The term "Central" was included in the name because the founders believed Manhattan was located very near the geographic center of the United States as it existed in 1858. Legacy Kansas State University moved from the location of old Blue Mont Central College in 1875, and the original college building was torn down in 1883. Nevertheless, Kansas State University has honored its legacy by naming a building on its present campus Bluemont Hall, by featuring an arch from the original Blue Mont Central College building over the central fireplace in the KSU Alumni Center, and by displaying the college's old bell on campus. References Defunct private universities and colleges in Kansas Educational institutions established in 1858 Educational institutions disestablished in 1863 Methodist universities and colleges Education in Riley County, Kansas 1858 establishments in Kansas Territory